Lancaster deputies investigate several parking lot robberies

INDIAN LAND, S.C. - Lancaster deputies are investigating a string of parking lot robberies in the Indian Land area. The suspects have been snatching purses.

In surveillance video, a car is seen approaching a woman in the Walmart parking lot. It follows her and then the passenger door swings open. The robber jumps out and snatches her purse, then gets back in the car to flee the scene. It’s quick and the car never stops moving.

“Well it’s definitely frightening for me,” Barbara Roman said.

The video has many Walmart shoppers concerned.

“It's the first time it's happened in five years,” Frank Roman said. “Yeah that is scary.”

Investigators said there’s been a robbery spree. On Monday a man stole a woman’s purse at the Harris Teeter on Carolina Commons. Then a 58-year-old woman was robbed in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy on Charlotte Highway.

Less than two hours later a woman was robbed at the Walmart on Charlotte Highway.

“My initial reaction is pretty surprised because I’ve left my car unlocked and never had any problems,” Heather Shiflett said. “With all the cameras I’m sure they’re going to catch whoever is doing it,” Shiflett said.